Eagles 2024 free agency tracker: Offseason moves, signings
NFL free agency is off and running, and we're keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2024 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts. The first round of the 2024 NFL draft begins April 25 on ESPN.
Here's a breakdown of every 2024 free agent signing by the Philadelphia Eagles and how each will impact the upcoming season:
Avonte Maddox, CB
What it means: A locker room favorite is back in the fold. The Eagles released Maddox, who was due to make just under $7 million this season on his last contract, in March. He returns on what will surely be a more team-friendly one-year deal. When healthy, Maddox can be one of the better slot corners in the league. He has 31 passes defensed and four interceptions over six seasons in Philadelphia.
What's the risk: Injuries have piled up of late. He was sidelined for all but four games last season after tearing one of his pectoral muscles. He missed eight games in 2022 with injuries as well. Given that history, the Eagles aren't going to bank on Maddox to be the starting nickel corner for 17 games. Look for them to continue to add to the cornerback position via the draft, free agency or trade in the coming weeks.
Will Grier, QB
What it means: The Eagles continue to stockpile at quarterback. They traded for former Pittsburgh Steelers QB Kenny Pickett earlier this offseason, adding him to a room that already includes Jalen Hurts and Tanner McKee. Pickett projects as the No. 2 behind Hurts and Philadelphia remains high on McKee. There is a good chance the Eagles carry three of their four quarterbacks on the 53-man roster this season.
What's the risk: Very little. The 28-year old Grier comes in on what figures to be a manageable one-year contract. He'll have a chance to compete during training camp this offseason and could be a candidate for the practice squad if he can't crack the roster. He was most recently on the Chargers' practice squad, and has also spent time with Panthers, Bengals, Cowboys and Patriots since coming into the league in 2019.
Devin White, LB
The Eagles are signing linebacker Devin White to a one-year, $7.5 million contract.
What it means: The Eagles address their weakest position from a season ago. Philadelphia is typically among the lowest spenders on the linebacker position annually but make an investment in White. White, the former fifth overall pick out of LSU, has 4.4-second 40 speed and is effective piercing into the backfield, as evidenced by his 23 career sacks and 40 tackles for loss. He's now the projected starter alongside Nakobe Dean.
What's the risk: White was hindered by foot and groin injuries in 2023. He had lapses in pass coverage and had instances of playing out of position over the past couple seasons. He split time with K.J. Britt last year and played just 37 defensive snaps in two playoff games compared to 87 for Britt. He'll need to be more consistent for defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's system to be maximized.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson, DB
The Eagles are signing defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson to a three-year deal worth up to $33 million in maximum value.
What it means: A reunion in Philly. Gardner-Johnson had a standout season for the Eagles in 2022, tying for a league-high with six interceptions despite missing five games due to injury. The two sides couldn't come to terms on a new deal last offseason, and Gardner-Johnson ended up in Detroit while the Eagles' secondary struggled in his absence. Gardner-Johnson brings playmaking ability and versatility to the table. He is capable of playing both slot corner and safety at a high level.
What's the risk: Injuries have been a part of his story of late. He tore his pec Week 2 last season and missed all but three regular-season games. Gardner-Johnson suffered a lacerated kidney during his 2022 season in Philadelphia. He'll need better health for the Eagles to get the most out of a three-year deal.
Saquon Barkley, RB
The Eagles swooped in on free agent star Saquon Barkley, agreeing on a three-year, $37.75 million contract that could be worth up to $46.75 million and includes $26 million guaranteed at signing, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
What it means: The Eagles shake up the division in a major way. This is an out-of-character move for Philadelphia, which has been hesitant to spend big money on the running back position in recent years under general manager Howie Roseman. But in Barkley, 27, they get a two-time Pro Bowl player who has compiled over 7,300 yards from scrimmage over his six-year career and can help elevate an offense that already boasts receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, quarterback Jalen Hurts and one of the top offensive lines in football.
What's the risk: The reason the Eagles haven't invested big dollars in running back is because the position has traditionally ranked down the priority list behind the offensive and defensive line and cornerbacks, for starters. The offense did grow stale down the stretch last season but the defense was the primary issue and still needs plenty of attention. Barkley has dealt with various lower-body injuries over recent seasons. He'll have to stay healthy for the Eagles to get sufficient return. And it's to be determined how coach Nick Sirianni and new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore will go about keeping all of these high-profile skill position players involved.
Bryce Huff, DE
Former New York Jet Bryce Huff will join Philly on a massive three-year contract.
What it means: The Eagles make an early splash, inking the 25-year-old Huff to a deal worth $51.1 million, per Adam Schefter. He is coming off a career year in which he registered 10 sacks and added 10 tackles for loss and 21 quarterback hits. He'll look to make an instant impact under new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. Edge rushers Haason Reddick and Josh Sweat have both been the subject of trade conversations. With Huff coming aboard, there appears to be a good chance one of those players could be on the move.
What's the risk: Huff had modest production before to last season. He totaled 7.5 sacks over his first three seasons in the league before breaking out in 2023. And he's started just seven games, with all of those starts coming in the 2021 season. Huff played 42 percent of the Jets' snaps last season, whereas Sweat (71 percent) and Reddick (74 percent) were on the field far longer for the Eagles. It will be interesting to see how large of a role Philadelphia gives him, and how he'll handle it.
DeVante Parker, WR
Parker agreed to a one-year deal Tuesday, coming from the New England Patriots.
What it means: The Eagles are beginning to rework the wide receiver room. A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith have the top spots locked down, but there will be new pieces added to complement them with Olamide Zaccheaus and Quez Watkins being free agents. In Parker, they get an experienced player with size who can compete for the No. 3 or 4 receiver spot.
What's the risk:Parker has dealt with a number of injuries in recent seasons and his production has dropped off since a career year in 2019. But Philadelphia will pay $1.2 million if his $4.9 million salary, per Adam Schefter, making this a low-risk move for a player with some upside.
Brandon Graham, DE
Graham and the Eagles agreed on a one-year deal, meaning the veteran will return for a 15th season with Philly.
What it means: The Eagles keep a core culture-setter in the building. With center Jason Kelce and defensive tackle Fletcher Cox retiring, Philadelphia is losing not only two of its best players but a pair of primary leaders. Graham's presence will help ease that loss to a degree. And he can still help on the field: Graham posted three sacks last season and added a sack and three tackles for loss in the playoff game against the Bucs.
What's the risk: Graham will be 36 when the season starts. Entering his 15th season in the league, expectations for his production need to be tempered. But he downshifted into more of a rotation role in 2023, playing 34% of the defensive snaps, and showed he can still make an impact. He's back at a reasonable number (reportedly $4 million), making this a low-risk move.
Matt Hennessy, G
Philadelphia agreed to a one-year contract with former Falcons guard Matt Hennessy on Tuesday.
What it means: The Eagles address depth issues at offensive line. Hennessy brings experience to the table, appearing in 41 games (22 starts) over three seasons in Atlanta. And he has position versatility, having lined up at both guard and center. With center Jason Kelce retiring and backup linemen Jack Driscoll and Sua Opeta both free agents, Hennessy projects as a key reserve.
What's the risk: Health is a concern. Hennessy missed all of last season with a knee injury. He was sidelined for six games in 2022 as well, also with a knee injury. But he's coming in on a one-year deal, likely at a manageable number, limiting much of the overall risk.
Zack Baun, LB
Former Saints linebacker Zack Baun plans to sign a one-year deal with Philadelphia.
What it means: The Eagles begin the process of addressing a back seven that needs a lot of work. Baun, 27, started six games for New Orleans last season, posting two sacks with an interception and four tackles for loss. He can be deployed both as an off- and on-ball linebacker, giving new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio some options with his defensive looks. Linebacker was a major spot of vulnerability last season, especially with Nakobe Dean missing significant time with foot injuries.
What's the risk: This signing is not a cure-all for the position. Baun had limited production over four seasons in New Orleans, totaling 88 tackles over 62 games, which included 14 starts. He did carve out a role on special teams and played the most snaps of his career on defense in 2023 (301). He should be able to contribute, whether it's on special teams/rotational player or something more.
